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Steven Gerrard May Come to India for IFA Shield

Former Liverpool captain and legend Steven Gerrard may come to India this year to take part in the prestigious IFA Shield. The shield, which is organised annually by the Indian Football Association and sees teams from other countries participate in it, is one of the oldest Cup tournaments and has a rich history attached to it.

The IFA, which is the governing body of the game in the state of West Bengal, had invited the English club’s academy to participate in the Shield. Gerrard, who is a part of the coaching staff of the team, had preliminary talks with the IFA officials and apparently, a deal has been verbally agreed.

IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguly, in an interview with leading Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika said, “We wanted to host the IFA Shield in April and Liverpool have agreed to participate. However, the All India Football Federation is planning to host some U-21 tournaments in April. So we may have to shift the dates to May and we will have to talk to them (Liverpool) regarding that.”

It is worth mentioning that the IFA Shield is now an Under 19 tournament only.

Steven Gerrard is one of England’s best midfielders in the past decade or so and is one of the most recognisable name in world football. He led Liverpool to innumerable titles, including the 2005 UEFA Champions League. If he and his squad, featuring some of the most exciting talents in the British game like Brooks Lennon, Ben Woodburn and Ovie Ejaria do make it here, it will be a defining moment for the Indian footballing scene and will be shot-in-the-arm for the dying IFA Shield.